Competence: Brazil Serie B
Market: Less than 2.5 goals
Odd: 23 @BetUS
Knowing they can rise quickly, Novorizontino will travel to Minas Gerais on Monday night to face América MG.
Starting with the hosts, while some in the América MG camp might still be looking over their shoulders at a possible relegation fight, Alberto Valentim’s side have certainly taken a recent turn. Ending their three-game winless streak last week when they recorded an eye-catching 2-0 victory at Athletic Club, the Rabbits should now have their sights set on mounting a late first-half charge. Having suffered just one defeat in his six previous appearances in Serie B (a run dating back to a 1-0 defeat against Atlético GO on September 26), the former Palmeiras coach has also seen his resurgent side suffer just a pair of defeats since late August. Hoping to spring an upset here, the Valentim team has earned a reputation for its cautious battles in Minas Gerais. It should also be noted that América MG has seen six of its last seven matches at the Arena Independencia end with less than 2.5 goals.
As for the visitors, although Novorizontino might have been forced to settle for back-to-back draws against Botafogo and Amazonas over the past fortnight, Umberto Louzer’s side are within striking distance of reaching the promotion spots again. Heading into what could prove to be a decisive trip to Minas Gerais on Monday night, the Tigres have suffered just one defeat in any of their previous 10 consecutive appearances. With that purple stain dating back to late August, the former CRB boss has also seen his team gain a reputation for great away success. Including a 1-0 win against Cuiabá on October 8, Novorizontino has lost one of its last five meetings outside of Sao Paulo. Likewise, as well as recording consecutive clean sheets on their travels, the promotion dreamers have also managed just one away goal in almost 450 minutes of action.
Bet: Under 2.5 goals on América MG vs Novorizontino 2/3 for Monday’s Brazilian Serie B match @ BetUS
